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Alicia’s Story

Welcome to Alicia's CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated on her progress. This will be the exclusive forum for information, so check back often!

We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.

Dear Family and Friends of Alicia,

An unexpected seizure recently led Alicia to seek medical attention. We have since learned that she has developed another brain tumor. Alicia is receiving the absolute best medical care at New York Presbyterian Hospital under the direction of world-class neurosurgeon, Dr. Theodore Schwartz. He handled Alicia's first surgery in 2009, and we feel very blessed that he is managing her current treatment. Her family arrives February 5, and she's had a steady stream of visitors to the hospital. Alicia is in good spirits - very calm and trusting in the Lord to guide her through this experience.

Here is what we know:

- A tumor has returned to the same area as before (the right side of the brain). Tumor cells have also been identified on the left side of the brain, which was not an issue in 2009.

- Surgery is slated for Wednesday, February 6 at New York Presbyterian Hospital. This surgery will aim to remove the tumor cells on the right side of the brain. We do not know if these new cells are benign or malignant, but are hopeful for good news, as Alicia's tumor in 2009 was benign.

- It will take about one week post-surgery for Dr. Schwartz to review the tumor and chart the best course of treatment for the remaining cells on the left side of her brain. We understand that this treatment could involve chemotherapy and radiation.

All updates will be posted on this website rather than by e-mail. Please share the website and feel free to write messages of encouragement, which Alicia can read during recovery!

Through February 5 Alicia will rest comfortably in the Greenberg Pavilion, 8 North, bed 215A. Once we have details on Alicia's post-operation recovery room at the hospital, I will be sure to add the address to this website. We anticipate that Alicia will return to her apartment this weekend to continue her healing. FYI, Alicia's new home address is 101 East 16 St., Apt 6B, New York, NY 10003.

Alicia is thankful for all of your prayers and well wishes, and we feel confident that she'll emerge from this challenge stronger than ever.